George Totari

George Totari is a Swedish-Palestinian musician, poet, and peaceful activist renowned for his unwavering support of Palestinian rights and his significant contributions to music and global solidarity movements.

Early Life and Migration

George Totari was born in 1946 in Nazareth, then part of Mandatory Palestine. He grew up in a politically volatile environment shaped by the aftermath of 1948 Nakba, the establishment of the State of Israel, and the mounting tensions leading to the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.

Totari relocated to Sweden in 1967 during the Arab-Israeli conflict. Upon arriving in Sweden, he encountered widespread narrow knowledge about the Palestinian cause, which motivated him to use music as a medium to raise awareness. He founded the band Kofia in 1972, aiming to promote Palestinian culture and advocate for justice through music. The band’s name, “Kofia,” refers to the traditional Palestinian headscarf, symbolizing peaceful resistance and identity.

• Founder of Kofia (1972): Totari established the Swedish-Palestinian band Kofia in Gothenburg, Sweden. The band became a platform for promoting Palestinian culture and advocating for justice through music.
• “Leve Palestina” (1973): In 1973, Totari composed the song “Leve Palestina” (“Long Live Palestine”), which has become an iconic anthem of Palestinian peaceful resistance and solidarity worldwide.
• Album Release – “Jag skrev ditt namn” (2022): Totari and Kofia released a new album titled “Jag skrev ditt namn” (“I Wrote Your Name”) in 2022. The album, produced by Bo Stenholm and Michael Torén, reflects Totari’s ongoing commitment to using music as a tool for social change.

“Leve Palestina” and Global Impact

The song “Leve Palestina” (“Long Live Palestine”), a powerful anthem that has become emblematic of Palestinian peaceful resistance and solidarity worldwide. The song was originally released in 1978, as the last song on the album “Mitt hemlands jord” (My Homeland’s Earth) by the Swedish-Palestinian band Kofia, however, the song’s lyrics were written in 1975 by George Totari. Kofia has been actively performing and releasing music since the early 1970s, with “Leve Palestina” becoming one of their most recognized tracks.

The song was performed during the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, in May 2024 to protest Israel’s participation in the event. He performed the song for Anadolu Agency, emphasizing its role in educating the Swedish public about the Palestinian cause. Totari expressed, while political speeches may fade, music has a lasting impact on people’s memories.

The song gained prominence during the Israel war on Gaza. It has been performed in various languages, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. Totari’s intent was to convey the hardships faced by Palestinians and to educate the international community about their plight.

• Culinary Ventures: Totari has expressed his support for Palestine through various artistic forms, including culinary arts. He ran a restaurant in Gothenburg, Sweden, where he served Palestinian cuisine, further educating the public on Palestinian culture and heritage.
• Literary Contributions: In addition to his musical and culinary endeavors, Totari is also a poet. He writes regularly, sharing his thoughts and reflections, contributing to the literary landscape with his works.

George Totari’s dedication to the Palestinian cause through music and peaceful activism has left an indelible mark on global solidarity movements. Despite many adversities, he continued to express his support for Palestine through various artistic forms. His work is to inspire individuals worldwide to stand in support of justice, truth and human rights for everyone. He is a cultural ambassador who peacefully raise awareness about the Palestinian cause. His music, poetry and messages will forever journey in various languages, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.  

“Love is what connects us to our land our people. Love is the most powerful weapon on earth.”

“Our sorrows and wounds turn into tears of blessings on the threads of rain.”